More about Kerrera

Ideal for:

History & heritage
Outdoor adventure

An island jewel a stones throw from Oban

Kerrera is a small island close to Oban and is around 7 km (4 miles) long and around 2 km wide, and is separated from the mainland by the Sound of Kerrera. The island is known for the ruined Gylen Castle, a small tower house built in 1582. It was also the place where Alexander II of Scotland died in 1249. The highest point on Kerrera is Carn Breugach at 189 m (620 ft).

How to get here

No advance booking is necessary on this sailing for foot passengers. Simply turn up at the port of departure buy a ticket on board the ferry.

Getting to Gallanach

Gallanach is a port on the North West coast, and makes a great base for your adventures on the Isles.

By car

Gallanach is roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes from Glasgow, 3 hours and 15 minutes from Edinburgh by car. If you are travelling with an electric vehicle, there are charging points available at the Argyll College.

Postcode for sat nav

Gallanach slipway: PA34 4QH

Travelling without a car

By train and bus

If you're coming from the east coast, Edinburgh, or the South, you'll need to travel through Glasgow. There's a regular direct train to Oban from Glasgow Queen Street Station, and it takes just over 3 hours.

A local bus runs regularly throughout the week (not including Sundays) from Oban to Gallanach, the journey takes less than 15 minutes.

By Foot

Kerrera is a walkers paradise due to the exceedingly low number of cars on the island. It is large enough to offer plenty of walking opportunities with a 7 mile circuit taking in the well-preserved and wonderfully atmospheric remains of Gylen Castle on the south of the island and a 6 mile circuit around the north of the island which include Hutcheson's Monument. Whilst only being a small island, walks around Kerrera offer spectacular scenery and fantastic views back to the mainland and out to Mull.

By Bike

The terrain on Kerrera makes it unsuitable for road bikes, only mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are suitable for the rugged tracks and paths of the island. Gallanach is easy to reach by bike and is very close to the National Cycling Route 78. Bike hire is available in Oban, visit
Explore Argyll
for details.

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Customer notice

The timetable information used is powered by
Traveline
and may not account for service changes, tidal amends or additional sailings. The information therefore may be subject to change. Please check the Service Status page before you travel.